Obituary of Orville E. Bradford
Orville E. Bradford, age 91, of Morris, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026.
Born October 1, 1934, Orville was the son of Bruce and Lucille (Smith) Bradford. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1952, and went on to work for the state of Illinois for 25 years. Orville married his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, Mabel Ann Shotts, on June 22, 1952. They had four children and remained devoted to each other until Mabel’s untimely passing in June of 1981. Mabel was laid to rest on what would have been their 29th wedding anniversary.
A naturally gifted athlete, Orville excelled at basketball, sometimes scoring as many as 30 points in a game in high school. He was also a dominant baseball player, passing his love of America’s pastime down to his grandchildren as a baseball coach later in life. A fierce competitor through and through, Orville also had a wicked topspin that won him many a game of marbles in his youth, and you’d be challenged to find a finer card player. Orville spent countless hours playing Euchre and Pinochle over the years with friends and family.
A true outdoorsman, Orville delighted in long hours spent hunting for mushrooms in the woods every spring. He was also an avid fisherman, creating many a fond memory with his fishing rod in hand and his children on the riverbank beside him. When he wasn’t outside, Orville was often immersed in the pages of a classic Western novel. Possessing a sharp wit and wry sense of humor, he never missed the opportunity to playfully tease the unsuspecting, bringing laughter to those around him wherever he went.
Orville had a heart of gold, and loved giving to others, whether from his pocket full of root beer barrels or from his carefully tended garden. His lifestyle was an ode to a simpler time. He appreciated a hard day’s work and preferred to live simply, while providing generously for those he loved.
Orville will live on in the hearts of his surviving family members including his loving sister, Lila Bradford, of Marshall, IL; and his three children, Wayne (Ranelle) Bradford of Mazon, IL, Mildred (Lea) Decker of Birmingham, AL, and Raymond Bradford of Morris, IL. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren who will cherish his memory.
Orville was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Forrest and Howard; his wife, Mabel; his son, David; his daughter-in-law, Frances; his grandson, Jeramy; and his beloved dog, Sam.
A private family service will be held at a later date. As it was Orville’s request, cremation rites have been accorded.
For more information, please call 815-942-5040 or visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com, where those wishing to honor Orville are encouraged to share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
